Keep Children Learning

Uganda has achieved a high enrolment rate in primary schools of over 96 per cent. There are roadblocks, however, such as violence in schools, or a low quality of teaching, that keep children from fulfilling their right to reach the highest level of education of which they are capable.

Currently only half of enrolled students finish a complete course of primary schooling, and out of those who finish primary level, only about one half of those go on to secondary school.

To keep Ugandan children learning, UNICEF is working with the Government and partners to improve the quality of schools and learning; promote and expand the Girls’ Education Movement; and support early childhood development.

Early Childhood DevelopmentUNICEF is supporting community-based Early Childhood Development and Education (ECD) centres to help more young children from the ages of 3 to 5 gain the tools to be ready to go to primary school, and help them enrol at the appropriate age.

When students enter school, they may not have the basic skills, socially or cognitively, to learn. Many children fail to enrol at the right age – but timely enrolment, especially of girls, is often critical to achieving a full course of primary education.

In addition to helping children take maximum advantage of primary school at the right time, the developmental benefits of Early Childhood Development will extend well into life beyond childhood.

Improving the Quality of Schools and LearningThe quality of teaching, and whether a school is child-friendly (safe, healthy, gender-sensitive, learning-focused, and children’s rights-based) influences whether a student regularly attends class, or drops out or is pulled out by a parent.

UNICEF works closely with the Government and partners to help improve the quality of primary school teaching and learning, to ensure schools are child-friendly and to improve the management of the education system nationally. An overarching part of this effort is helping the Ministry of Sports and Education successfully implement its Basic Requirements and Minimum Standards (BRMS) for schools, which are child-friendly standards.

UNICEF has contributed significantly to the development of key national policies and guidelines, including a Gender in Education Policy for Disadvantaged Children, and a Safe Schools Handbook, while also supporting training and skills enhancement to teachers, inspectors, and education personnel.

Girls’ Education Movement (GEM)UNICEF supports the Girls’ Education Movement (GEM), a successful programme helping both girls and boys stay in school and finish a full course of primary education. GEM activities in Uganda are already reaching over 14,000 children per year, and are helping thousands of children who have dropped out get back to school.

UNICEF promotes girls’ education because it benefits all children, girls and boys, and improves the chances future generations will live longer, go to school, and have access to sustainable opportunities.